Environmental InformationSystems

To Know in order toImprove

 

This webpage contains the followinginformation:

- What is an Environmental Information System? (EIS)

- Why use an Environmental Information System?

- How to set up an Environmental Information System?

What is an Environmental Information System? (EIS)

An Environmental Information System is the centralknowledge tool of an environmental manager/policy maker. It consistsof a relational database with several modules, containing internaland external environmental data:

external data:

• indicators
• articles, reports and media clippings
• regulations and legislation (global, national,...)
• standards and criteria (ISO 14001, EMAS,...)
• information from and about stakeholders
• ...

internal data:

• the environmental policy and objectives
• the environmental programme
• rules and procedures
• manuals
• internal and external reviews and audits
• compliance reports
• ...

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Why use an Environmental Information System?

Because of the growing complexity of environmentalissues, the environmental manager/policy maker needs a system, inwhich (s)he can integrate all data, allowing for easy access,updating and processing. The resulting knowledge can be used in manyways:

• to minimize potential liabilities
• to prepare for certification under ISO 14001 or EMAS
• to communicate with stakeholders
• to create environmental awareness among employees
• to negotiate better bank loans and insurance fees
• to design eco-friendly products or services
• to illustrate continuous improvement
• to calculate cost savings
• ...

How to set up an Environmental Information System?

Now you can set up your own EnvironmentalInformation System in 4 easy steps:

1. choose which information modules you want to integrate in your EIS
2. choose a hardware server platform (NT or Macintosh) or have Ecotopia host your EIS
3. feed the information into the database, incl. data from remote locations, using a simple web browser
4. select from a number of report templates or create your custom lay-outs

That's it! You can make it as comprehensive as yousee necessary. The Ecotopia EIS imports and exports to all flat filedatabase formats, making it easy to integrate with your generalmanagement decision support system.

Ecotopia also provides all kinds of custom services, including setting up your own fully functional EIS (hardware and software) à la carte.

For more information, please contact:

GarsettLarosse

EIS-Manager